![Harnessing Solar Power for Sheds: Solar Panels, Stations & Shed Lighting Ideas [UPDATED]](https://www.buyshedsdirect.co.uk/media/magefan_blog/new-Solar-Power-Station-150W-min2.webp)
With the addition of a solar panels for sheds and other solar equipment such as solar power stations and lighting, you can suddenly transform your shed from a basic garden storage area into a fully functioning garden building.
Incorporating solar power for sheds allows your shed to say goodbye to darkness, cobwebs and rusty, old tools, and hello to lighting, warmth, and the latest electronic gadgetry. Read on for a range of information about solar power for sheds and shed lighting ideas.
Editor’s Note [03.11.23]:
Our guide to solar panels and solar power for sheds was originally published on January 13, 2017. We have updated the post with new information including understanding solar power for sheds, a step-by-step guide to installing solar panels, and how to choose the lighting kits and solar panels for sheds.
How Solar Power Stations Work
The solar panel sits on a robust aluminium frame, which you can position on your shed roof or the ground and adjust to maximise the panel’s exposure to the sun. (In the UK, we advise mounting solar panels facing south, at a 60° angle.)
The solar panels generate a flow of electricity from the sun’s rays, as they hit the shed roof, this electricity is passed along a cable to the high-performance solar battery.
This is connected to an inverter, including a 3-pin socket, from which you can run a variety of 12v electrical appliances.
Understanding Solar Renewable Energy in Sheds
So, you already have a shed, and you need to add power and ideally eco-friendly power. This is a great idea and solar power is not just intended for houses. Infact, a shed is a perfect place to add a few solar panels. Adding solar could mean fully powering your shed or just adding some solar-powered lights. Although it sounds complicated, it is much easier than you might think and it is definitely worth putting solar panels in place.
If you think about it sheds need electricity, irrespective of use. Whether you intend to use it as a man cave, she shed, home gym, garden office, workshop, children’s playroom, etc., power will come in useful. Rather than paying for an expensive connection to a mains supply, or trailing extension cords, it makes sense to harvest free energy from the sun, especially with modern-day energy prices. There is really no downside, just think of relaxing time with family and friends, sunny summer BBQs as well as late night garden events, which are fully powered.
But how do you receive solar energy? It is all down to the photovoltaic cells in solar panels that capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. This energy is saved into batteries (like the ones we use day to day) and can be used whenever it is needed. So, if you use your shed on a cloudy day, or perhaps at night-time you will have an energy supply to access.
As we mentioned before, it is not all about solar panels, as there are numerous other solar-powered gadgets which can be used in your shed. Lighting especially is used for sheds, both fairy lights and security lights are popular, read on to learn other shed lighting ideas too. Solar-powered radios are another well-used option. The eco-friendly benefits cannot be ignored, you are doing your bit for the environment, whilst also enhancing your lifestyle at the same time.
Step by Step: How to Install Solar Panels on Your Shed
So, you have decided to take the plunge and opt for solar energy for your shed. Below we provide our overview of how to set up solar panels for sheds:
- Choose the right panel - take your time to find the perfect panel to meet your needs. Most solar panels installed are in a fixed location, but a portable solar generator (also called flexible solar panels) are available too. Also, try to calculate how much electricity you will need from your shed, this will determine how many solar panels and how much roof space is needed
- Pick the perfect spot - location, location, location! You will want maximum sunlight exposure for your ps. So, find a spot that gets plenty of sun throughout the day, and is ideally facing south (in the UK)
- Safety first - remind yourself to unplug any electrical connections before you start drilling holes. Buy trustworthy gloves and safety eyewear, too. More safety and less sorrow is the order of the day!
- Mounting time - once a location has been chosen, the brackets must be installed. Your panel is being held in place firmly by them. Use the supplied screws to secure your panels. We advise going with a "handy" buddy or, at the absolute least, watching a few videos if you lack experience
- Attach the panel - after that, the solar panel ought to be mounted on the brackets. Make sure the panel fits snugly by inspecting it
- Wire it up - use the supplied connections to join the solar panel to a controller at this point. The controllers manage the panel's output and prevent the batteries from overcharging. It performs the role of a babysitter in the solar panel system
- Battery time - your controller should be connected to a battery or battery bank. All the solar energy is kept at this location
- Final touches - connect everything, then connect the inverter to the battery. This mechanism turns the solar energy stored there into practical power for your shed's equipment
- Test drive - turn on a light or other gadget to test your new layout in your shed. It is great if everything is operating smoothly because then you can make use of the free electricity! If not, do not panic; simply reconfirm your connections and try again
Types of Solar Power Station
You can purchase 80W, 120W or 150W stations, according to the amount of power you wish to generate.
80W Stations
An 80W solar power station delivers 400W of electricity per day, enough to run an appliance for 2-4 hours.
It is suitable for powering things like fluorescent lighting or power tools. You could even run a digital radio while you work.
120W Stations
A 120W solar power station delivers 600W of electricity per day.
This is perfect for powering a television or games console, as well as running a PC or charging your laptop for 2-4 hours.
150W Stations
A 150W solar power station delivers 750W of electricity per day.
This will power your fax machine, printer, laptop, and lighting, which is ideal if you use your shed as a garden office.
Generating Solar Energy in Winter Months
During the darker winter months, you may need to invest in more solar panels to achieve the same power levels.
If you want to run an under-floor heating system using solar panels, you will need at least a 450W (3 x 150W) system.
Thanks to a simple plug-and-play system, an all-in-one solar lighting kit is incredibly easy to use, and no additional solar power stations are required.
Highly advanced solar and lithium battery technologies provide you with up to 5 hours of interior shed lighting per day, with the equivalent brightness of a 350lm mains bulb.
External Shed and Garden Lighting
These weatherproof lights use the same principle to provide up to 5 hours of garden lighting per day, equivalent to an 80lm bulb.
A programmable timer allows you to determine when the lights come on, without you having to lift a finger.
Benefits To Expect
Solar power stations and solar lighting kits have a number of wonderful benefits, some of which truly set them apart from conventional electricity supplies.
Solar Power Kits for Sheds Are Zero Hassle
You can set up a solar power kit in under an hour, without any specialist skills or power tools.
There’s no need to dig up your garden, connect your solar kit to the mains, or employ the services of a potentially costly electrician.
Solar power kits really are that easy to use.
Shed Lighting Ideas
Don't make the mistake of thinking that solar lighting kits are all about strip lighting and bare bulbs.
As you can see, there are some beautiful solar table lamps, as well as solar floor lamps too.
No Monthly Energy Bills
The initial outlay for a solar lighting kit is just over £100.
For a full solar power station, you’re looking at under £1000.
After that, there’s nothing to pay. No expensive electricity and no additions to your monthly utility bills; just free, reliable, environmentally friendly energy.
Eco Friendly Advantages
Solar power kits for sheds and solar lighting kits generate electricity for your shed through the sun.
No fossil fuels are burnt, and no carbon is produced.
By powering with solar panels for sheds, rather than conventional electricity, you are reducing your carbon footprint and benefitting the environment.
Do Not Require Planning Permission
Solar panels for sheds are classed as a ‘permitted development,’ therefore no planning permission is required.
How to Choose the Right Lighting Kits and Solar Panels for Sheds
If you are thinking of buying solar power for sheds, here is a guide to choosing the perfect solar panels for sheds and lighting kits:
1) Size matters - size is not just about physical dimensions but also needs to focus on the energy levels you have calculated that you need
2) Efficiency ratings - choose panels with high-efficiency ratings. You might as well receive the highest amount of energy possible
3) Know your needs - calculate how much energy your shed and accessories require. This means you will not over/under spend on solar panels for sheds
4) Check the warranty - a decent warranty is a sign of a panel's quality as well as longevity
5) Lighting purpose - whether you need just mood lighting or full-on workshop beams, buy lighting kits that align with your shed's vibe.
6) Installation ease – buy a solar panel kit, they are easy to install and come with clear instructions
7) Expandability – ideally, opt for solar kits, which are modular and allow panels or lights to be added in the future
8) Weather resilience - ensure your solar equipment is built to stand up to the British weather (rain, sleet, and sun)
Use Solar Energy to Transform Your Shed
Once you have a solar-powered shed, you won’t want to spend your time anywhere else.
View our solar power stations and solar lighting kits now, and take the first step to illuminate your own garden building.
Contact Us Today
Browse and shop for solar power kits for sheds online at Buy Sheds Direct. Contact our team today about shed lighting ideas and other uses of solar garden technology. Our contact information is:
- Phone - 0333 003 0514
- E-mails - complete our contact page form today
- Text chat - use our live chat app for real-time text chat